confined a whole week before his case could come under the consideration of the sessions. It was said that if the power of judging of such cases was left to a single magistrate, he would be put in danger by the discharge of his duty; but he had no fear of such a thing; for in Ireland there had never been manifested any disposition to injure a magistrate for the performance of his duty. Another point of consideration was, that they had no power to compel the attendance of gentlemen to form a petty sessions. Meetings might in consequence not be held, and thus a man who was in custody might be kept in prison from week to week till a meeting of petty sessions actually took place. LORD MONTEAGLE would venture to suggest a mode by which the inconvenience referred to by the noble Earl might be met. It was quite true that petty sessions might not be very regularly held; but he objected to a single magistrate having the power to dismiss a man found out after nightfall. On the other hand, if they did not interpose the authority of a single magistrate, they might subject an innocent man to great inconvenience. What he proposed, therefore, was, that a person apprehended under that Act should be at once brought before the next neighbouring magistrate, and that he should have the power of bailing the person to appear before the petty sessions. They would thus meet the inconvenience referred to by the noble Earl, without vesting in a single magistrate the power of judging in the case. The LORD CHANCELLOR asked if his noble Friend meant that it should be imperative on the magistrates to bail a man? LORD MONTEAGLE would give the magistrate a discretionary power. The EARL of ST. GERMANS had no other object in delay than to have the Amendment coolly and deliberately considered. He was happy to inform their Lordships, that to-morrow his noble and learned Friend on the Woolsack would take the Amendments into consideration, and put them in such a shape that he would be enabled to lay them before the House tomorrow evening. LORD BROUGHAM had found a very singular illustration of the argument he had used the other night in the Bill of the noble and learned Lord. It appeared that by that Bill a man might be sent to Botany Bay for taking a stone out of a wall, or a stick out of a hedge, the person to whom the stick or the stone belonged being a prosecutor or witness in any case in which the offender had been concerned. This fully bore out all he had said in favour of the transportation clause. LORD DENMAN thought it rather unfair that his noble and learned Friend should draw any argument from the Bill in the particular position in which it then stood. He did not expect that the Bill in its present form would meet their Lordships' full concurrence. It did not even meet his own; and he had stated that in Committee it would require a great deal of consideration and amendment. He objected, therefore, to the noble and learned Lord drawing any conclusions from what was in the Bill. But at the same time he would ask, was there anything like a similarity in the object of the clause referred to in this Bill, and in that which made it a crime to be out after sunset? There was a very great distinction. The one was a mere police regulation; the other was a heinous crime. He found that, by one Bill, for the first offence they could transport a man seven years, who might be perfectly innocent, except in so far as he violated an Act of Parliament; but no man could possibly be innocent who committed the crime which his noble and learned Friend had pointed out in his (Lord Denman's) Bill. LORD BROUGHAM had no doubt that his noble and learned Friend would alter his Bill: but he would venture to prophesy that when the Bill had gone through Committee it would just be liable to the same objection as now. Bill read 2a. House adjourned. HOUSE OF COMMONS, Monday, March 9, 1846. MINUTES.] NEW WAIT. For Windsor, v. Ralph Neville, Esq., Commissioner of the Treasury. PUBLIC BILLS-1° Corn Importation. PETITIONS PRESENTED. By Mr. Henley, from Rural Dean and Clergy of the Rural Deanery of Bicester, against the Union of St. Asaph and Bangor Dioceses.-By Mr. Hume, from Members of the British India Association of Dublin, for Inquiry into the Case of the Rajah of Sattara. -By Mr. Octavius Duncombe, from several places in the County of York, against any Diminution in the Protection hitherto granted to Agriculture.-By Sir Robert Peel, from Provost, Baillies, and Town Council of the Royal Burgh of Lanark, for Commercial Reform.-By Mr. Octavius Duncombe, from several places in the County of York, against the proposed Government Measure respecting Customs and Corn Importation.-By Mr. Fuller, from Landowners, Tenants, and others, interested in Protection to the Cultivation of Native Hops, in the County of Sus sex, against Reduction of Duty on Hops. By Dr. Bow- | the Government whether they intended ring, from Members of the Belfast Society for the Preventaking any step in the matter? tion of Cruelty to Animals, for Abolition of Queen's Plates at Horse Races.-By Mr. Tatton Egerton, from Trustees of the Manchester and Buxton Roads, for Repeal of Duty on Post Horses.-By Mr. Sotheron, from Inhabitants of the Parish of Highworth, for Rating Owners in lieu of Occupiers of Tenements.-By Mr. Baine, from the Chamber of Commerce of Greenock, in favour of the proposed Mr. John Fielden, from Inhabitants of Todmorden and Oldham, for Remission of Sentence upon William S. Ellis.-By Mr. Morgan John O'Connell, from Fishermen on the South West Coast of Ireland, complaining of Distress.-By Mr. John Fielden, from Inhabitants of TodFrost, Williams, and Jones.-By Mr. Thomas Hussey, from Justices of the Peace for the Borough of Lyme Government Measure respecting the Timber Duties.-By of Kilkee, Baltard, Bahalaglass, Farratry, Doonbeg, &c., morden and Oldham, for Remission of Sentence upon Jonathan Duncan, Esq., of No. 13, Chester Place, Ken Salmon Fisheries of the Rivers Taw and Torridge, against AMALGAMATION OF RAILWAYS. SIR G. CLERK said, that how far and under what circumstances the amalgamation of existing railways should be permitted, had been fully considered by the Railway Department of the Board of Trade last year; whose last Report was exclusively upon the subject of the amalgamation of railways, entering fully into the subject, and laying down general rules under which they thought amalgamations might be permitted. It was impossible for him to say that under no circumstances Regis, for Defining the Limits of the Borough.-By Mr. was it expedient for two or more railways Hume, from Admiral Sir Edward Codrington, G.C.B., and Samuel Banker, Accountant, for Inquiry into the State of to amalgamate; because there was no doubt the Merchant Seamen's Fund.-By Mr. Bright, Sir Wil- that great advantage would arise from havliam Somerville, and Sir John Tyrrell, from various ing the traffic on lines in the same direcplaces, against Enrolment of the Militia.-By Sir Arthur Brooke, from Members of the Board of Guardians of the tion under one general control. Great pubLinaskea Poor Law Union, for Alteration of the Poor Relic inconvenience might arise from amalgalief (Ireland) Act.-By Mr. Thomas Duncombe, from mation of parallel lines, because that denington, and Proprietor of the "Sentinel" Newspaper, prived the public of the benefit of compecomplaining of Mismanagement at the Post Office. By tition. These principles were laid down Mr. Buck, from Proprietors and others interested in the in the Report of the Board of Trade last the Salmon Fisheries Bill.-By Mr. Strutt, from Rate- Session; and it also showed how they were payers of the Parish of Ilkeston, against the proposed Mea- to be applied to the schemes then in agitasure respecting Settlement. tion; but the House judged differently, and allowed the amalgamations. It was not in the power of the Government or the Board MR. W. PATTEN said, he had been of Trade to state more fully the principles directed to make an inquiry of the Vice upon which amalgamations should be conPresident of the Board of Trade with re- ducted; but they must be applied according spect to the very important question of the to the particular circumstances of each amalgamation of existing Railway Compa- case. He thought it would be expedient nies. The Railway Committee of which that the question of all amalgamations he was a Member experienced great diffi- should be referred to one Committee, and culty in the cases of amalgamation which that the lines amalgamating should not be came before them. He was induced to ask placed in different groups. They were the question which he was about to put to generally not opposed, and the Committees the right hon. Gentleman, not only for the directing their attention principally to those purpose of enlightening the Railway Com- Bills which were opposed, did not attend to mittees, but also the public at large, be- these amalgamating lines. The Committee cause it was one which involved circum- which sat in 1839, and of which the hon. stances of a very serious nature. He Member for Liskeard was Chairman, and wished, then, to know whether the Go- that of 1842, over which his right hon. vernment intended taking any measure this Friend the Secretary for the Colonies preSession with the view of settling the dif-sided, had entered on this question, and ferent amalgamation Bills now before Parliament. The Committee had directed him to put the question before they proceeded any further with the subject. One or two plans had been submitted for the settlement of the question; but he thought he might state that the opinion of the Committees was, that a question of such vast import-adopted. ance to the country would be much more satisfactorily determined upon by the Government, and if not by them, at least by some Select Committee to be appointed by the House. He therefore wished to ask directed attention to the inconvenience of allowing these Bills to pass as matters of course." He did not think, however, that any rule could be laid down beyond that mentioned in the Report of the Board of Trade, unless the expedient of referring all these Bills to one Committee was FAMINE AND DISEASE IN IRELAND. MR. O'CONNELL, in rising to put the question to the right hon. Baronet opposite of which he had given notice, hoped that he would be allowed to preface it by a few observations. He wished to acquaint the right hon. Baronet that the accounts received that day from Ireland, with regard to the progress of the potato disease, were really frightful. The persons who had examined the condition of the crop in the neighbourhood of Fermoy a fortnight ago had thought that there would have been, in all probability, enough left to last until the month of June; but so rapid had been the progress of the disease during that fortnight, that the potatoes had been nearly all destroyed. From Skibbereen and other places the accounts reported an increase also of the disease. The right hon. Baronet would not imagine that he entertained the least doubt of his sincerity in the professions he had made of his desire to alleviate the condition of the poor in Ireland; but the simple fact fact was, that there was no time to be lost. Delay would be fatal, and the sums of money already voted would not be of the least avail. Other means were wanting. There were Irish resources available. They (the Irish people) were not suing in forma pauperis. There were resources in their country, and some further measures should be adopted to meet the exigencies of their case. He would ask, whether the Government was prepared to lay before the House a statement of the measures taken by them to obviate the impending famine and disease in Ireland? SIR ROBERT PEEL: I am sorry to say that the statement made by the hon. and learned Gentleman does not fall much short of the impression first formed in my mind with regard to the pressure that might be expected in some districts, and the difficulties of the inhabitants of those districts. From the accounts received in the months of October and November last, I certainly did anticipate that the fears then expressed would be in a great degree realized; and the hon. and learned Gentleman is aware that the first act of Her Majesty's Government was to propose some measures that would be calculated to have the effect of mitigating the impending distress, by providing the best mode of relief-the supply of employment for the people. The hon. and learned Gentleman must feel that the best mode of relieving a people, with a view to their moral position, is by enabling them to supply their own wants by obtaining payment for their labour. In justice to the poorer classes-to those classes who are in a state of destitution-it would, I think, be infinitely more agreeable to their feelings, that they should be enabled to earn their subsistence by honest labour than by any other mode. The hon. and learned Gentleman is aware that the very first act of Her Majesty's Government, even preliminary to that important one which is to come under the discussion of the House this evening, was to bring in three or four measures for the relief of the poor in Ireland. We brought forward measures for the erection of piers and harbours on the southern and western coasts of Ireland, in order to enable the inhabitants with the better security to carry on their fisheries. We proposed measures to give to the grand juries of Ireland a power to raise money and to make presentments for the raising of funds for the prosecution of public works. There are other measures, also, which will involve the advance of large sums of public money. I have much satisfaction in knowing that all those measures have passed into law. The sums raised by them may possibly be inadequate for the purpose of remedying the distress. But whilst Parliament is sitting, there can be no difficulty in obtaining such further measures as may be requisite. And I must say, that if Parliament were not sitting, I should have no hesitation in taking upon myself the responsibility, as First Lord of the Treasury, of adopting such measures as I should think necessary to meet the exigencies of the case. Nothing can be easier than to obtain renewed and enlarged power; but I think the hon. and learned Gentleman will agree with me, that it is wise not to be too liberal. The great dependence must, of course, be upon the spontaneous charity of the landed proprietors and others. There is an undoubted claim upon the landed proprietors, who will not fail to come forward at this period of general distress. Without their aid, without the local efforts of those who are acquainted with the particular circumstances of the district, the intervention of the Government would be useless. But we are satisfied that the landed proprietors of that part of the Empire will not fail in their duty in this instance, as there have been many cases in which they have shown a disposition cordially and effectually to unite with Government. As the pressure becomes more severe, the anxiety on the part of the clergy, never behind-hand in works of charity, will be augmented; and they and the landed proprietors will zealously co-operate with Government in meeting and mitigating the evil. Then we have made other proposals as to inland navigation, and other matters more or less affecting private rights, which will have a beneficial tendency; but the sum actually provided by Government is by no means inconsiderable; and it will admit of farther increase if the pressure should be more severe than we at present anticipate. I stated the other night, that early in the season, in the months of October and November last, we took upon ourselves the responsibility of providing a supply of provisions, by giving orders for the expenditure of 100,000l. in Indian corn and rice, which but for our intervention could not at present have come to this country. Those cargoes have arrived, and we propose to give facilities to the benevolent to obtain it at a low rate, in order that they may supply the wants of the distressed by distributing it at even a lower rate. If the Report of the Resolutions passed on Friday with so little opposition be brought up to-night, the duty on Indian corn, buck-wheat, and rice, will be absolutely repealed. Considerable private property has been involved with the same intention, in addition to what Government has done; and I trust that individuals feeling for their poorer neighbours will avail themselves of the reduction of duty, and obtain information as to the localities where assistance is most required. In some parts of the country, I am told, there is a prejudice against the use of maize; but I apprehend that in the United States it is employed very generally for the purpose of food, and there are modes of dressing and preparing it by which the bread made from it is as palatable as that composed of wheat. Government has taken pains to ascertain in what mode Indian corn is employed to the best advantage, so as to render it perfectly palatable. The Commission now sitting in Dublin will be happy to give every information upon the subject to landed proprietors who may be desirous of availing themselves of it. We have completed our organization with a view to this calamity throughout the country, by means of the police and other public establishments; but I hope the hon. and learned Member will not call upon me to explain the details of our particular measures. I assure him that both with respect to famine, and what is to be expected as its consequences, fever, we have taken all possible precautions. Our main reliance must still be placed on the co-operation of the landed interest with local aid; and I have the utmost confidence in that resource. I again assure the hon. and learned Member that every precaution that can be taken by Government has been taken, not within the last week or fortnight, but long ago. I trust it will be found that we have shown a provident care, and an adaptation of means to the end, that will meet with the approbation of Parliament. I do not know that any measures could be suggested that have not been anticipated; but to give the particular details would tend to defeat the object all have in view. THE TARIFF. SIR R.H. INGLIS wished to ask another question in connexion with the present one. The right hon. Baronet had stated that as soon as a Bill founded on the Resolutions should have passed, the duties would cease and determine. Would it not be desirable that a separate Bill should be introduced to admit the introduction of those articles of food which now could be brought into immediate use, such as Indian corn, buckwheat, and rice? To such a measure there would be little or no opposition. He hoped the right hon. Baronet would state such was his intention. SIR R. PEEL said, he had stated that it was not proposed to include rice, buckwheat, or Indian corn. None of the duties included in the Tariff would be remitted by a Treasury order; he should wait till the Bill was passed. But these duties on Indian corn, buck-wheat, and rice, would be included in the general Tariff; and it was proposed by a Treasury order to admit the introduction of these three articles, buckwheat, rice, and Indian corn, as soon as the Resolutions should have passed; but, in order to prevent the possibility of any jealousy on the subject, he was perfectly prepared to declare that the Treasury or der should admit them for a limited period only-that a bond should be taken in the case of every remittance, providing that the whole amount of duties should be paid in the event of the Bill not receiving the sanction either of the Lords and Commons. He trusted that the Tariff was of that nature that it would not be necessary to propose a separate Bill, because it was quite clear that the authority of Parliament to reject the Bill would be maintained by the order being temporary in its duration, and by a bond being taken. DR. BOWRING suggested that measures should be taken to ascertain from consular returns what was the state of the crops in the countries to which we might look for a supply. As there were countries in which the use of Indian corn was universal, it might not be impossible to obtain some information as to the various methods in which this very important article of food was prepared. SIR R. PEEL said, that he had received communications from benevolent persons in the United States, and in some parts of France, where Indian corn was very extensively used. He was in possession of ample information as to the mode of preparing Indian corn. At a very early period Government addressed an order to all the Consuls in Europe to send returns. He believed that in every part of Europe the potato crop had been affected, with the exception of some parts of Italy, where a small quantity was grown, and in Spain. Speaking generally of the north of Europe -Sweden, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, Hanover-there was scarcely a part where the potato crop was not affected. Prince Edward's Island, Nova Scotia, and many parts of the United States, the potato crop had also been affected. No dependence could be placed on any import of potatoes from abroad. He believed that many individuals had given orders for considerable quantities of potatoes for their own use; but the quantity required was so enormous, and there was so much risk during the voyage, that no great dependence could be placed on the import of po tatoes. CUSTOMS AND CORN IMPORTATION REPORT. In Report of the Committee upon the Customs on Corn. On the question that the Resolutions of the Committee be read, SIR J. TYRRELL said, he trusted that he should not be unnecessarily occupying the attention of the House whilst he read a letter which he then held in his hand. He did not wish to delay the business of the evening, and he would best consult the convenience of the House by at once reading the letter. But, in order to explain its contents, he must state that the worthy Alderman the Member for Stoke-uponTrent, had the other night stated, that, as a member of a corporate body, he had The lately let a farm at a very low rate. The letter was as follows:- "I see my friend, Mr. Alderman Copeland, mentioned in the House of Commons on Friday" THE SPEAKER: It is against the rule of the House that any hon. Member should read any letter which takes notice of anything said in this House. SIR. J. TYRRELL: Well then, it has been asserted by Mr. Alderman Copeland, that he, as belonging to a corporate body, had lately let a farm in Yorkshire, containing nearly 900 acres, to a farmer from Essex, at an increased rent of 2001. per annum: and that he preferred such facts to all the arguments and eloquence on the opposite side.' I am fearful this statement will injure our cause; and as I know the facts of the case, having been requested to look over it for my friend who hired it, I am induced to furnish you with the exact circumstances of the case, and shall feel obliged by your mentioning them as soon as you can in the House of Commons, and you will do our cause much good, as you will find the worthy Alderman has not stated the whole facts of the case. This farm had been let in 1832 at a reduced rent of 2007., making the rent 1,200l., having previously been 1,400. The person who has now hired it did at last agree to give the old rent of 1,4007., the company to whom this property belonged having determined to take no less than that rent. But my friend has now hired it on such conditions as to make the present hiring far preferable to the old one. The landlords are now bound to expend a considerable sum, estimated by their surveyor at about 2,0007, in erecting new buildings, fences, &c., to find all tiles for draining, to allow sixty acres of grass to be broken up and converted to arable; and this farm being of a fine rich deep staple, the tenant is also allowed to farm on the five-course system, taking oats after wheat, which the old tenant was debarred from doing. But, above all, a clause is agricultural protection being withdrawn, that the tenant is at liberty to quit the farm by giving to be inserted in the lease, that in the event of |